Local Election Prospective Candidates 2024

Ballot to select candidates for council elections in May 2024

 Please watch the video of the hustings.

Brian Holmshaw – Broomhill & Sharrow Vale ward – holmshawbrian@gmail.com

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I have a busy schedule and have found that work-life balance is critical to operating as a councillor. I balance my work commitments as I have done since being elected in Broomhill and Sharrow Vale in May 2021 by having regular breaks (school half terms and part of summer) from Green Party and councillor activity. Its a model that seems to work for me.  

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

Broomhill and Sharrow Vale ward councillor since May 2021. In that time: casework for hundreds of constituents. Also main ward organiser and distributor of newsletters and election literature to other distributors. Door knocking throughout the 11 poll districts. Support for other ward councillors and organiser of ward councillor meetings. 

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

Worked with constituents, community groups and community centres to secure funding for events and projects, and support them on planning applications. For example, Springfield residents, BBEST (Broomhill, Broomgrove, Endcliffe, Summerfield and Tapton) neighbourhood group, Israaq Centre, Broomhall Community Centre, Sunnybank Centre, Broomhill Library and various local friends groups eg Botanical area, Broomhill, Holberry Gardens, Sharrow Vale Residents Association, Endcliffe Triangle, Moor Oaks Triangle and Hanover TARA (Tenants and Residents Association). 

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

I have concentrated on this ward as elected representative since May 2021 but before that I door knocked and supported candidates in Broomhill and Sharrow Vale, City ward, Manor Castle, Walkley and Hillsborough. I have supported Green Party transport campaigns in particular, spoke at rallies and encouraged young activists in the party to get involved. I have written more than a dozen letters to the papers and blogged on subjects as diverse as buses, heritage, planning and air pollution.  

I was a member of the Planning and Transport Committee for two years till May 2023; and been Chair of the Central Local Area Committee and a member of the Economic Development and Skills Committee since May 2023. I am Chair of the Allotments Advisory Committee and recently joined the council’s Cost of Living Strategy Group: working on improving and sustaining the Welcome Places scheme, and improving access to affordable food and to debt advice.

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

Experience as a ward councillor has helped me hone my negotiation and community  facilitation skills. I enjoy chairing committees at all levels.  

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

I love the ward. It’s a very interesting and diverse one with lots of community groups. Its wanting to serve them that keeps me going! 

 

Douglas Johnson  – City ward – DouglasJPJohnson@gmail.com

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I have being doing my councillor role full-time and given up other paid work.

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I have been a councillor for City Ward since it was created in 2016 and was re-elected in 2021.

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I have and continue to be involved with the community in my role as a councillor. Prior to being elected, I was active campaigning in Central Ward with other Green councillors for many years.

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

I also did a lot of voluntary community work in Burngreave for many years.  In my paid work, I was an advice worker and carried out strategic litigation, in particular helping to empower individuals and community groups by using equality law.

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

Experience of being a councillor;  ability to engage with a range of people in the ward on many different issues; ability to listen to people; experience of public decision-making processes and principles; experience of political issues over many years.

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

 

I want to continue making a difference to people’s lives for the better and, in doing so, act on climate change. I also want to help the councillor group and local party continue to grow.

 

Thomas Atkin-Withers  – City ward – Thomas26011@protonmail.com

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I’m a carer for a family member, but that fits surrounding any work, except in an emergency. I hold several posts at various levels of the party, some of which I would be willing to step down from, once a replacement is found, while others I can continue as the needs of each roll are not uniform. Stepping down would be with a heavy heart but my priority would always be council work. My meetings as a Trustee of Sheffield Young Carers mostly happen at night every quarter, and I would continue with that role.

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I canvassed and delivered in City Ward multiple times during the 2023 Local Elections, I also helped with designing the new route of the Sheffield Connect with the internal transport group, to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility.

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I’m a trustee with Sheffield Young Carers, which help young people with caring responsibilities and young people with familial substance misuse across Sheffield and have been involved with them since 2019. This has also led me to submit a motion to conference to address the fundamental rights of carers.

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

I have stood in Graves Park ward, where I grew up, in the 2023 Local Elections. I campaigned in all 7 target wards throughout the elections in 2022. I am also the elections coordinator for the Sheffield Green Party and am now a Non-Portfolio Officer on the Young Greens disability group. 

As part of my role as a Trustee with Sheffield Young Carers, and previously as a service user, I have met with Sheffield Councillors and MP’s on advancing carers rights, with some success.

Finally, I ran social media for the green campaign for Mayor of South Yorkshire in 2022, where we got the best result (based on percentage) outside of the West of England. As part of this I also wrote several speeches for the candidate, and have written or edited several more for Sheffield Green Party candidates, especially surrounding the need for better accessibility and better public transport.

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

I’m aware of the current issues facing green councillors in Sheffield, and as an active member I have spent the last year engaging with residents citywide on their concerns and how best the Greens can address them. I have experience in working with the press and working collaboratively with others in the best interests of stakeholders.

Given I’m disabled, Queer and a carer, and coming from poverty, I possess a unique ability to empathise with people and help them. I understand the importance of advocating for those who most need support and feel this skill will be invaluable as a councillor.

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

I want to be a councillor for city ward to be an advocate for people who feel powerless. City ward’s turnout was 16%, being the lowest in the city. This screams that the people there feel powerless, and I want to be there to give them a voice.

 

I want to represent city ward to work to pull our city centre into the 21st century, whether that means cutting air pollution, making the city more accessible for disabled people, or making it a space that residents truly want.

 

Finally, I want to take on board the wishes of the people, and work cross-party to improve our city, to bash heads together and force Sheffield’s politicians to work for the people, rather than themselves. Being disabled, queer, young and working class, I’m not the typical politician, but City ward isn’t typical, it is filled with people from all walks of life, and I want to represent that, to be the representative that residents deserve. 

 

Peter Gilbert  – Ecclesall ward – peter.richard.gilbert@gmailcom

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I would treat my role as a councillor as my primary work commitment.

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I have stood as the candidate for Ecclesall in the last 2 elections. I have helped the Party to achieve consecutively its best ever results in the ward.

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I have set up a monthly foodbank collection in a Endcliffe Park. I put up bus timetables across the ward when routes were changed. I’m one of the founding members of the local Community Speed Watch volunteer group. I’ve coordinated local residents to campaign to preserve Banner Cross Hall.

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

My close friends know me as an environmentalist first and foremost, but my involvement in the Green Party has brought me into the fight for social justice.

I have been active as part of various campaigns since 2015. For example the street tree debacle, Extinction Rebellion, Better Buses for South Yorkshire, support for unions, Sheffield Swift Network, tree planting and moorland restoration.

Before 2015 I was working internationally in social enterprise, education and community based tourism.

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

I’m passionate about making positive change for the residents of Ecclesall, the wider city and the wider world. I’m skilled at talking with people with different perspectives and finding common ground. I am a natural networker and know how to spread a message. Sheffield needs bright ideas and bold leadership and I have confidence in my ability to contribute to a greener Sheffield.

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

I have a strong attachment to Ecclesall. I grew up here and still live here now. Residents here are ready for their first Green councillor and I want to help make this happen as soon as possible.

 

Alexi Dimond  – Gleadless Valley ward – alexi.dimond.sgp@gmail.com

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I am a sitting Councillor and also work part time currently.

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I am a sitting Councillor in the ward. 

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

See above.

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

I have campaigned on numerous issues from climate action, to the nature emergency, to advocacy for the rights of Palestinians, for the rights of refugees, against austerity, against the Crime and Policing Bill. 

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

I am currently the sitting Councillor and Green Spokesperson on the Waste and Street Scene Committee. Last municipal year I was the chair of the South Yorkshire Strategic Migration Group. I would use my skills and knowledge learned from years of activism and campaigning, working at City of Sanctuary Sheffield, and in the roles above to continue to advance action on climate and social justice issues. I like to work in collaboration with others, and would welcome more input and engagement with members. 

I have had success at the level of Full Council and my committee, notably moving a motion (and gaining unanimous support) for reaffirming Sheffield as a City of Sanctuary and bringing the Yorkshire Integration Festival to Sheffield. In my committee I have supported disability campaigners and safeguarding champions to ensure signage remains on taxis, and secured improvement on parking enforcement policy. I have also added items to the worksplan such as reducing single used plastics and targets and options for further reducing the use of glyphosate by Streets Ahead. 

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

I have been Cllr for this ward for 3 years. I live on the border of the ward and am very keen to continue working to support local residents and improve the local environment. My successes include securing CCTV for a group of tower blocks which have been the victim of serious crime and ASB, supporting residents with housing issues such as roof repairs, kitchen replacements, mould and damp and rehousing. I am keen to promote active travel by installing on street cycle parking and working with local residents and groups to tackle persistent flytipping and increase biodiversity. 

 

Christine Gilligan Kubo  – Hillsborough ward – christina.gk@myphone.coop

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I am currently a councillor in Hillsborough. This is the only significant role I have and I hope to be able to continue in this role.

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

Currently a councillor in Hillsborough and am working hard to represent the Green Party in council and in my own ward.

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

See above

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

See above

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

Experience of being a councillor, an understanding of how SCC operates and significant local knowledge and contacts.

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

Why do I want to be re-elected? Because I have made a difference to hundreds of Hillsborough residents by helping them with their issues, whether this is about anti social behaviour, parking problems, eviction, fly-tipping or just for a re-assuring chat. 

I have also engaged with most of the local community groups in Hillsborough and helped them secure funding to carry out their activities, such as money for new tables and chairs for community lunches, a fridge to store food for their food bank, waste bins or notice boards for community gardens. We have 3 new community gardens in Hillsborough and Hillsborough itself is looking better thanks to the Green councillors – the shops have had their shutters painted and there are now benches and cycle racks in the shopping area.

Not only do I work very hard with the local community, I am also a member of the Transport Regeneration and Climate Change committee where Ruth and I are the only truly green voices speaking out for transformative action. Our fellow Labour and Lib Dem councillors give lip service to climate change but when it comes to action their voting behaviour does not support their words.

If you want to keep green voices on Sheffield city council speaking up for local residents and making sure that action on climate change is front and centre please vote for me.

 

Maroof Raouf  – Nether Edge & Sharrow ward – mraouf.nes@gmail.com

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments:

I currently have a full time job and manage my councillor work with it (just about)

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I have supported active travel schemes, I have encouraged road safety measures, I have allocated SCC funding to those who would most benefit the ward, amongst many other things I have done in my role as a councillor for the area.

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I am active in campaigning in my ward and on social media. I have used traditional media to push for greater benefits for my ward and to raise funds for measures such as food banks

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

I have stood up for the rights of marginalised groups such as asylum speakers and have spoke at rallies for the liberation of Palestine. I have campaigned to get the national GP to change their stance on Islamophobia and they have now finally adopted a definition of Islamophobia based on my work.

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

I am willing to speak and do the right thing and not be swayed by public opinion. I am a strong orator and always willing to ask lots of relevant questions where needed.

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

So I can continue to represent my constituents 

 

Bernard Little – Walkley ward – bernard@bernardlittle.org

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments: 

Follow a weekly diary of activities allowing time off for family friends, household activities plus taking time off for holidays where it is physically possible. 

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

I have been an effective ward councillor in Walkley since May 2021. Prior to this I spend four or five years building up the profile of Walkley Green Party as a target to win candidate. 

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period:

Writing letters to the paper. Canvassing, leafleting, working with other members on local campaigns. Eg. A petition for the return of the Number 31 community bus in Walkley. 

Worked with The Sheffield Street Tree Campaign. For five years I have worked with a local group to set up and run the Ponderosa Nature Group. 

 

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection:

Campaigned to for a waste strategy for Sheffield to prevent the building of a waste incinerator at Bernard Road. 

Elected to Sheffield Council as the second ever Green Councillor for Central Sheffield and Sharrow 2006-2010. Active in the Ecology Party/Green Party since 1977 

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly:

I am well known across the Walkley which is where I have lived for the last 25 years. I have good social skills. A wealth of work experience…factory worker, office work drawing maps, an HND in Geographical Techniques. General farm work and a National Certificate in Agriculture, qualified plumber and a Certificate in Occupational Therapy. 

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?

Because its my home and I love the community. I have been a Green Councillor in Walkley for three years and want to continue with this work. The aim is to provide the best every platform for Green Party candidates in Walkley in the coming years. 

 

Dylan Lewis-Creser – Walkley ward – greenparty@dylanlewiscreser.co.uk

Please advise any relevant information on how you will balance councillor, work and other commitments: 

I am a student, and so do not work full-time and the councillor allowance would be more than enough to sustain my finances, meaning I will not be in any other employment if elected.

 

Please outline relevant work you have done for the Green Party in the ward you are applying for and the time period: 

I have been active in Walkley & Upperthorpe Green Party since the previous election campaign, doorknocking very actively and ensuring that the Green message gets out there. I am currently on the Walkley & Upperthorpe Greens organising group.

 

Please outline work you have done as a community activist or in another capacity in the ward you are applying for and the time period: 

Please see previous answer.

Please outline any other relevant campaigning activity and experience in Sheffield or elsewhere including in wards where you are not seeking selection: 

I am the national Co-Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Greens, giving me experience in speaking with the media, national press work, and how to interact with wider Green Party and external bodies. I have developed a relationship with many people both inside and outside the Green Party, and would use this experience to inform my election campaign.

 

What skills do you have that are relevant to the councillor role? Please detail briefly: 

I am very experienced in administration, being currently employed as an Administration Assistant at the University of Sheffield. I am also experienced in community organising and social activism.

 

Why do you want to be a councillor in this ward?: 

I would like to be a councillor in Walkley Ward to ensure that our councillor group is representative of the communities we represent. There are currently no openly LGBTIQA+ Green councillors, only 1 councillor under 30, and no non-binary councillors ever in the history of Sheffield Greens. I aim to be that representation for those communities in the city, along with representing the diverse communities of Walkley, Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe.